Father Thomas A. DiLorenzo, a native of East Boston and a son of Sacred Heart Parish, died while visiting Florida on Feb. 23, 2026. One of the two sons of the late Vincent J. and Rose (DiLorenzo) DiLorenzo, he was born on Sept. 29, 1946. He attended local schools and, following graduation from East Boston High School, he attended Salem State College.

After teaching for a few years, he entered St. John Seminary, Brighton, as a member of the Class of 1979. Merrimack Regional Bishop Robert Hennessey, who was a friend of Father DiLorenzo from their seminary days, recalled "Tom was in our Introductory New Testament class. He and the professor were not of the same approach to New Testament studies. We were always on time for the class because there was always guaranteed to be a 'discussion' between Tom and the professor. Tug of war would be a kind way to describe it."

In the seminary and afterwards, contemporaries may have disagreed with him, but no one ever doubted his tenacious adherence to his faith in Jesus Christ. Nor his courage in proclaiming that faith. He was always good natured and endured not a little ribbing, jesting, and joking from classmates and fellow students.

Cardinal Humberto Medeiros ordained him and his six classmates on Sept. 15, 1979, at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Newton. The cathedral had been closed for much needed clean up and structural support.

During his active priestly ministry, he served in three archdiocesan parishes: Sacred Heart, Quincy (1979-1987); St. Adelaide, Peabody (1987-1994); and Holy Rosary Parish, Winthrop (1995-2020), as administrator until being named a senior priest in 2020. In retirement, he lived in residence at St. John the Baptist rectory in Quincy.

He was widely known for his radio ministry and for his involvement with the Charismatic Movement. Father Robert E. Casey, pastor of Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid parishes in South Boston, spent a summer of his seminary studies at Sacred Heart, Quincy, where Father DiLorenzo was a parochial vicar. "He once said to me, 'I am a fool for Christ. And when you're a priest you should be, too.'" He was greatly loved by his parishioners, not least because of his sincere kindness, his care for the sick and poor, and his priestly attention to people's needs.

He always emphasized it was not about self-promotion but about Jesus' promotion. That he was fearless in taking on topics and people, defending his positions, and tossing a few lobs here and there, and the more controversial the better for him could not be denied.

Archbishop Richard G. Henning was the principal celebrant of Father DiLorenzo's funeral Mass on March 6, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Church, Quincy. The parish's pastor and long-time friend of Father DiLorenzo, Father Matthew Williams, was the homilist. Among the concelebrants were Merrimack Regional Bishop Robert F. Hennessey; Msgr. Marc R. Montminy, pastor of St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish, Salem, N.H.; and Father Robert E. Casey. Other priest contemporaries and friends of Father DiLorenzo also concelebrated.

Following the funeral Mass, Father DiLorenzo was buried with his parents and his brother, Anthony, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.